Cool Season Vegetables

These vegetables prefer cool growing temperatures and lose quality in hot weather.  After they stop producing in summer, pull them from the garden and compost.  They can be replanted in mid-summer for a fall harvest.

The Hardiest Cool-Season Crops:
These crops can be planted 4-6 weeks before the average last frost.  Use a soil thermometer and when the soil is 40 degrees, it's warm enough for these seeds to germinate. They can tolerate daytime temperature as low as 40 degrees and will survive frosty nights.  A touch of frost can actually enhance the flavors of these vegetables.

• Broccoli
  
• Peas
• Cabbage
  
• Kohlrabi
  
• Kale
• Onions
  
• Lettuce
  
• Peas
  
• Radish
  
• Spinach
  
• Turnips
  

Semi-Hardy Cool Season Crops:
These crops can handle daytime temperatures of 40-50 degrees, but are slightly less tolerant of a frosty night.  Cover them with seed cloth if the weather predicts cold night temperatures.  Plant 3-4 weeks before the average last frost.

Beets
Carrots
Cauliflower
Parsley
Parsnips
Potatoes
Swiss Chard

Peas are traditionally planted on St. Patrick's Day. They thrive in cool weather and produce a crop in 7-10 weeks.

Lettuce will grow in partial shade, and the colors available will amaze you! Start from seeds sow directly in the garden.

Carrots can be grown in containers. Look for short, round and miniature varieties.